As we are just half a block fom El Jardin, San Miguel's central plaza, we often can be found there--passing through on our way to or from some event, or more likely just taking an hour or so to relax and enjoy the ever changing scene. Our favorite time is late afternoon or early evening.
One of the many mariachi bands
Weekends, the Jardin is invariably packed with visitors and locals. Couples stroll hand in hand, families sit and watch their children running and playing, and foreigners like us just gaze in admiration at the wonderful, changing scene. Ice cream is the food of choice for all--morning, noon or night. We love it when the mariachi bands are out in force--usually on weekend nights but often throughout the week as well.
Bob, Larry & Sue--afternoon in the Jardin
A couple of days ago, after enjoying a late pizza lunch at La Grotto restaurant, we all decided to stop in the Jardin on our way back to the house, so we chose a strategic viewing bench and sat down.
After a few moments, we were approached by a small group of Mexican high school students visiting from the nearby city of Guanajuato. They were in San Miguel to practice their English--as there are so many expats here.
Soon others from their class joined them, and we ended up having some 50 kids and their teachers with us all laughing at our Spanish and their English. Some could barely tell us their names while a few could actually have a simple conversation.
Visiting Guanajuato students in the Jardin
It was so much fun visiting and laughing with them, and they were delighted to pose for a group picture.
After the students left us, we continued to linger--the sun was
setting, the air was cool, and it was relaxing and invigorating at the
same time just to sit and people watch.
Not long after the students left, we were approached by an
elderly couple who were strolling through the park,
serenading and passing the hat.
He played the guitar, she the
tambourine, and they both sang. At our request they chose a Norteno
ballad--Norteno music is traditional Mexican music originating in the
north of Mexico--thus the name. Below is a short video of part of their performance; hope it can be heard!
Bird Watching Again
Countryside vista
Last weekend we participated in an Audubon in Mexico sponsored excursion to a nearby hacienda for birdwatching and a gourmet lunch.
The birders in the group were disappointed with the scarcity of the bird life, but it was fun for the rest of us to walk through the countryside which is so different from what we are used to--mesquite and cactus, grasses and high desert wildflowers.
We liked this rock
It is hard to imagine how beautiful the countryside is. San Miguel residents tell us that it is so much greener than normal this fall because of the extra long and very wet rainy season that now has lasted more than six weeks longer than normal.
Some of the wildflowers
We have been told that it seldom rains after the middle of October, but we have have had numerous thunderstorms since we arrived on November 1st, including a really thunder rocking, gully washer one night.
One of the hotel "portales."
After the birdwatching walk, we were driven to a nearby 17th century hacienda, Las Trancas, that has recently been renovated as a luxury hotel.
One of the luxury suites
The hacienda gardens
The renovation has been done with taste and a good budget, so the rooms
are extraordinarily lovely and rent for $300 to $500 a night.
At the Tuesday Market
Sue & Mart at the Market
Another fun outing was going to the very big "Tuesday Market". Located just outside of town, it is a huge outdoor market covering several acres and featuring produce and and an incredible array of other merchandise--clothes (new and used), hardware, furniture, electronics, toys, etc. Both couples bought a bunuelos maker (a kind of fried pastry often served at Christmas time in Latin America).
Our favorite vendor
Our favorite vendor was an older woman whose display was so very carefully set out. She had a lovely, serene and beautiful face and it was quite clear that she was very proud of her produce and her display area.
And her display
We were told the market had "everything", and, indeed, it did--including telephone poles and solar heating devices. As usual, we had a really good time both experiencing the market and seeing all the people shopping.
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